2025 Heritage Day – Powwow

NASP Heritage Day Powwow — Friday, November 14

Celebrate community, culture, and tradition at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Welcome to the NASP Heritage Day Powwow — an evening of Native dancing, drumming, arts, and community celebration. All UIC students, staff, faculty, allies, and community members are invited to join us for food, performances, vendors, family-friendly activities, and friendly contests.

Event details

Date: Friday, November 14
Doors: 5:00 PM 
Grand Entry: 6:00 PM
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Student Center East — Illinois Rooms
750 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Program highlights

• Grand Entry: 6:00 PM

• Head Dancers: Jasmine Gurneau & Niyo Moraza-Keeswood

• Emcee: RJ Smith

• Arena Director: Madalene Big Bear

• Host Drum: Bear Heart

• Invited Drums: Blackbird & Iron Bear

• Catering: Foxway Catering

Activities, vendors & contests

• Native dancing and drumming performances

• Arts & crafts for sale (local artists & makers), information booths and community resources - full vendor list on EventBrite

• Cake Walk

• Biggest Earring Contest

• Rock Your Mocs — Best Moccasin Contest

• Best Medallion Contest

• Dancer honorariums for the first 25 dancers to register

Parking & transit

• Parking vouchers available for all UIC lots.

• Recommended lot: 760 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

• By public transit: CTA Blue Line — UIC-Halsted Station

• Bus routes: 7 (Harrison), 8 (Halsted), 60 (Blue Island/26th)

RSVP & contact

Visit linktr.ee/uicnasp for more information and to RSVP.
For additional questions, email: nasp@uic.edu

Co-sponsors

American Indian Health Services of Chicago & St. Kateri Center

We look forward to sharing songs, dances, stories, and food with you. Come celebrate, support local artists and dancers, and enjoy a meaningful evening of connection.